Co-leader of South Shore drug trafficking conspiracy pleads guilty

BROCKTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Department of Justice said the co-leader of a drug trafficking conspiracy in the South Shore area pled guilty to multiple drug distribution charges.

27-year-old Giovanni Pina, of Brockton, pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute and distributing 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine on a premises where a minor was present and/or resided; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to the DOJ, from around January 2021 to November 2021, Pina was a co-leader in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed cocaine, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogue in and around the South Shore area.

In January 2021, police searched a “stash house” in Weymouth that was part of the conspiracy, and seized two kilo presses; extensive drug paraphernalia, including blenders, digital scales and packaging equipment; more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine; three firearms; ammunition; two high-capacity magazines; and a speed loader.

From January to February in 2023, the DOJ said Pina took part in multiple recorded drug deals, with over 2,000 grams of a mixture and substance of methamphetamine during a deal with a minor present in Brockton on Jan. 12, 2023, and over 2,500 grams of a mixture and substance of methamphetamine in Taunton on Jan. 25, 2023.

Pina was charged in February 2023 and indicted in March 2023.

Pina was scheduled to be sentenced on April 30.